The US-market GranTurismo MC is nearly identical to the European-market MC Stradale, save for two key differences: for one, it replaces the Stradale's sequential gearbox with the smoother ZF automatic transmission from the standard GranTurismo, and for another, puts the rear seats that were deleted for the Stradale back in place.

Otherwise it's the same machine, packing the same 450-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 as the MC Stradale (which also powers the new GranCabrio Sport) and the same aggressive aerodynamics package.

Maserati unveiled the GranTurismo MC (as well as the GranTurismo Convertible Sport, as the top-of-the-line convertible is known over here) at its new TriBeCa showroom in Manhattan on the eve of the New York Auto Show. Get a closer look at the GranTurismo MC in the gallery below and follow the jump for the full details in Maserati's press release.

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[Source: Maserati]

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20-04-2011 - ModenaMaserati introduces a taste of the race-bred GranTurismo MC Stradale's magic to North America with the GranTurismo MC.

Launched at Maserati's new stand-alone showroom in the prestigious TriBeCa area of New York, the GranTurismo MC is the fastest production car Maserati has ever sold in the US market.

With a top speed of 298km/h and a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of just 4.9 seconds, the GranTurismo MC is only 3km/h slower than the ultra-aggressive MC Stradale, even though it is aimed at a slightly more luxurious market.

The major difference between the MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC is in the transmission. Where the MC Stradale boasts the fastest gearshift in the world, the GranTurismo MC has one of the fastest shifts of any full automatic transmission in production.

Maserati has custom developed the GranTurismo MC to deliver US customers the increased power, intuitive handling and aerodynamic gains of the GranTurismo MC Stradale without challenging their tastes for automatic transmissions and four-seat practicality.

Powered by the latest development of the 4.7-liter all-alloy V8 engine, this engine delivers 331 kW at 7000rpm and, with 510Nm at 4750rpm, another 20Nm of torque compared to the GranTurismo S Automatic.

Maserati has made the engine more responsive, more powerful and more economical, thanks to a comprehensive "friction reduction program" including Diamond-Like-Coating of high friction parts inside the valve train. The new exhaust system also plays a part in helping the GranTurismo MC to achieve its seemingly conflicting goals of a six percent improvement in fuel economy and even-better responsiveness.

With a shorter exhaust path, the lighter exhaust not only keeps the bypass valve that enriches and intensifies the engine note, but takes lessons from both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC Trofeo race car by exiting through the centre of the rear bumper.

The GranTurismo MC offers tighter damping control and carries over the race-bred aerodynamics of the GranTurismo MC Stradale that generate increased aerodynamic efficiency to improve ride height at higher speed without increasing the drag.

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